Yes, I would like to receive future marketing communications (such as email) from Caterpillar Inc., its affiliates and subsidiaries worldwide and the Caterpillar dealer network. Regardless of whether you decide to receive these marketing communications, Caterpillar will continue to send service/transactional messages, including those that have to do with any accounts that you may have with us.

Overview

The 18M3 builds on the success of the 16M and offers additional power, a wider moldboard and the possibility to use a more aggressive blade angle, making it an ideal fit for mining operations that run 172-tonne (190-ton) or smaller trucks. The 18M3 enhances operational efficiencies by increasing coverage and reducing the number of passes required to complete the width of the road in certain applications. The 18M3 includes features that provide large benefits on operating cost reduction, uptime & performance improvements as well as enhanced safety.

ENHANCED PERFORMANCE AND OPERATOR COMFORT

You measure profitability by the ore you produce – and the more cost effectively you do that, the more successful you are. While drills, draglines, loaders and haul trucks are responsible for producing ore, motor graders have a direct impact on how productively these machines can operate – in particular in their role in haul road maintenance.

18 Foot Moldboard – The 18M3 includes a standard 18 foot moldboard and straight 10 inch by 1 3/8 inch cutting edge, which allows the operator to increase coverage by 12.5% compared to a 16 foot moldboard. Also the operator can us a more aggressive blade angle and still be able to deposit the windrow away from the tires to protect tire life. The use of a more aggressive blade angle results in reduced load on the machine and the ability to better maintain ground speed for enhanced performance.

18M3 Power Levels and Optimized Variable Horse Power (VHP) – Compared to the 16M3, the 18M3 has on average 5% more power. The additional power combined with the 18 foot moldboard and proper weight balance provides the best combination of performance and coverage. The Optimized Variable Horse Power (VHP) is designed to provide the ideal amount of power in all gears to efficiently perform diverse motor grader applications while protecting structure and drive train components.

Machine Balance – With optimized combination of weight and balance the 18M3 delivers enhanced traction and the ability to keep ground speed, especially when carrying a large load on the board.

Simple, Operator Friendly Emissions Technology – The 18M3 is available with three variations of the C13 engine with ACERT™ Technology. One meets U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final / EU Stage IV / Japan 2014 (Tier 4 Final) emissions standards and is required for sale in higher regulated countries. The other options will be capable of meeting Tier 2 / Stage II / Japan 2001 (Tier 2) equivalent emission standards or Tier 3 / Stage IIIA / Japan 2006 (Tier 3) equivalent emission standards, depending on the emission standards of the specific country. Emissions reduction technology on the 18M3 Motor Grader is designed to be transparent, with no action required from the operator.

Rear Ripper / Scarifier – Made to penetrate tough material fast and rip thoroughly for easier movement with the moldboard. The 18M3 includes a standard ripper with three shanks with the ability to add four more for additional versatility.

Comfort and Control – The multi-color / touch screen Information Display is the operator's gateway to monitoring machine performance, a convenient way of modifying machine parameters to tailor performance to the current task and access the service information for initial troubleshooting.

Monitor, Manage, and Enhance Job Site Operations – Cat Product Link™ Elite is deeply integrated into your machine, helping you take the guesswork out of equipment management. Easy access to timely information like machine location, hours, fuel usage, idle time and event codes via the online VisionLink® user interface can help you effectively manage your fleet and lower operating cost.

OPERATING COST REDUCTION

High mechanical availability is one of your top concerns. The 18M3 helps reduce downtime and operating cost through improved serviceability, fuel economy and reduced maintenance. Major components are modular in design, so most can be removed and reinstalled without disturbing other components.

Use Less Fuel – Engine Economy (ECO) Mode improves fuel economy by reducing high idle engine speed while maintaining machine power. ECO Mode controls the high engine idle speed (capped at 1,900 rpm in working gears) to ensure the engine is performing as efficiently as possible with respect to fuel consumption. ECO Mode could provide significant fuel consumption savings especially in operations that are typically run at light to moderate loads, high idle and gear usage between 3R to 5F.

Engineered for Maximum Production and Service Life – The center shift section of the front frame is made of heavy duty steel casting which improves stress distribution to this high load area for enhanced durability. The rear frame structure is lengthened to provide easy service access to components in the engine enclosure as well as improve machine balance. Front axle steering cylinder has been designed to enhance durability and hydraulic hoses have been routed to improve reliability.

Standard Front Axle Guard – A front guard helps protect the front axle from rocks or other debris that could damage the axle or its components.

Ease of Maintenance – The modular cooling package makes for simple removal and installation of components on the cooling system which reduces service time. Engine enclosure doors provide complete and easy access to the engine without the impediment of any enclosure post. Also, extended maintenance intervals reduce the number of touches and downtime.

Protecting Your Asset – Ok to Start and critically low fluid monitoring systems help prevent critical components from damage when low fluid levels are present. All information is available via the Information Display within the cab, and diagnostic codes are logged.

SAFETY

You consider the safety of your workers a top priority, and we're doing our best to help you meet your safety goals. Caterpillar considers the safety of everyone in, on or around Cat equipment when developing new products or enhancing safety features for existing products. The 18M3 has numerous safety features such as but not limited to:

Access to Tandem

Light Emitting Diode (LED) Enclosure Service Lights

Seat Belt Indication

Fire Suppression Ready System

Rearview Camera

Access Platform – optional

Service Access Platform – optional

DEALER SUPPORT EVERY STEP OF THE WAY

Your local Cat dealer is committed to helping you succeed, by ensuring you have the right machine for the job, making parts available, and providing you with versatile work tools.

WORK TOOLS/G.E.T.

FLUIDS

Attachments

Mining Motor Grader - Model Selection Tool

Over the years, Cat® Mining Motor Graders have proven to have a direct impact on mine-site productivity and costs. When haul roads are kept in top condition, trucks live longer and run faster. Good road conditions are key on extending truck life, reducing maintenance, lowering fuel costs and reducing tire damage, as a result, cycle times are improved and more ore is produced as a lower cost. This tool has been designed to help identify the motor grader size that best fit your application and maintain your haul roads based on your specific needs.